An industry-wide gamble for the Reading boss to depart comes on the back of a fourth successive Premier League defeat, which leaves them four points adrift of safety and 1/7 favourites for relegation.

McDermott started the day as a 20/1 outsider to depart but has had his price cut throughout the afternoon before betting was suspended, with support continuing at as short as 1/4.

Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said: "The gamble on McDermott departing took us somewhat by surprise despite Reading's poor form, with Rafael Benitez, who was our previous favourite, the only manager really attracting any interest in the market.

"However, the flurry of bets which started at around 4pm, indicates that somebody knows something that we don't."